Fluid flow control valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element in opposition to the bias force. Finally, a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within the passageway.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 11/203,814 filed Aug. 15, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/872,130, filed Jun. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,609, issued Aug. 5, 2003, the contents which are specifically incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fluid flow control and regulation devices and, more particularly, to one-way flow control devices and valves for pressurized fluids, especially gas. Specifically, the present invention relates to such flow control devices particularly adaptable as inlet valves for first and second stage regulator members used in scuba diving units to prevent the entry of water and other contaminates into the regulator member without interfering with the proper flow of breathable gas.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Fluid flow regulator and control devices of various types are well known in the art. Both liquid and gas regulator devices have been adapted for a wide variety of commercial and industrial assemblies and apparatus. However, the adaptation of such devices to high-pressure environments having relatively small fluid control apertures and valves is highly specialized. This is particularly true in the field of scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving equipment and regulators.

Within the past several decades, the sport of scuba diving has enjoyed considerable popularity so that there exists an entire industry for supplying equipment for the sport. Moreover, the popularity of the sport continues to increase dramatically. This industry manufactures and sells a wide variety of instruments, devices and equipment to enable a person to properly breathe underwater and remain beneath the water surface for extended periods of time. One of the most vital concerns in the manufacture of underwater breathing apparatus is the need for a source of air or other breathable gas mixtures at substantially constant pressure. That is, in order to allow a person to breathe properly, it is necessary to have a source of air or other breathable gas, the pressure of which does not fluctuate randomly at the point of intake.

Typically, scuba divers utilize a pressurized source of breathable gas, such as compressed air as well as mixed gas blends, at a relatively high initial pressure which may exceed 3,000 psi and even reach 4500-5000 psi in certain technical diving situations. Pressure regulators have been developed over the years to deliver such breathable gas to a diver at ambient pressure regardless of the depth of the scuba diver. Consequently, the breathable gas is typically reduced in pressure in staged steps. The first step is performed by a first stage regulator member of a dual stage regulator assembly which reduces the tank pressure of approximately 3,000 psi or greater to a constant intermediate pressure of about 120-140 psi. The first stage regulator is mounted directly to the high-pressure source of gas, such as a scuba tank outlet valve, and the intermediate pressure gas is then directed through a pressure hose exiting the first stage regulator member.

The intermediate pressure gas from the pressure hose is then delivered to a second stage regulator member which generally has a diaphragm arrangement to further reduce gas pressure and provide breathable gas to the diver at a usable, that is ambient, pressure. The second stage regulator member may be in the form of a primary regulator utilized by the scuba diver as a primary source of breathing gas, or it may be in the form of what is commonly called an alternate gas or air source, or an octopus. The alternate air source is utilized for emergency breathing situations and is frequently combined with an inflator valve for use with buoyancy control devices. Moreover, intermediate gas pressure lines or hoses may also extend from the first stage regulator member to provide gas for other purposes, such as use with a dry exposure suit and the like.

Once the dual stage regulator assembly is attached to a scuba tank gas outlet valve to create an entire scuba unit, the scuba unit is an environmentally closed or sealed system. In other words, the system wherein compressed gas passes from the tank through the first stage regulator, the intermediate pressure hoses and to the inner side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, is limited only to compressed gas and is not exposed to the environment in any manner. The exterior or outer side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, however, is exposed to the ambient environment, including water. It is essential, then, that the regulator assembly gas delivery system remains dry both during its use when connected to a scuba tank as well as when it is not being used and is disconnected from a scuba tank. Otherwise, contaminants, such as salt water, fresh water, wash water, airborne particulates and the like, will contaminate the assembly if allowed to enter the interior of the regulator assembly, such as at the gas inlet opening. Such contamination can include the rusting and corrosion of internal metal air filters and other internal parts of the regulator assembly as well as possibly clogging small apertures or orifices and thus preventing the regulator assembly from operating properly if even at all.

While it is simple to observe how a regulator assembly can remain dry when fully installed to a scuba tank and in use, a problem occurs once the regulator assembly is disconnected from a tank after a dive is over. As previously mentioned, the gas in the tank is delivered to the first stage regulator member through a tank outlet valve. There are two basic and most common types of valve connection arrangements between a scuba tank and the first stage regulator member which are standard in the art. However, other less common connection arrangements are also available, such as those utilized in technical diving and rebreather units. The first typical connection is the most common and is known as a yoke connection wherein the first stage regulator member has a round opening plugged by a metal filter surrounded by a raised collar with an O-ring thereabout. In this arrangement, the tank outlet valve has a small aperture at the middle of a round recessed area, the raised collar snugly fitting within the recessed area so that the O-ring is fitted against it. A yoke filling is secured to the first stage regulator member and surrounds the tank outlet valve, and a hand knob is hand tightened against the back of the tank valve to force the raised collar against the round recessed area so that the O-ring is snugly compressed therebetween. The second common connection arrangement is called a DIN valve connection wherein the first stage regulator member simply screws directly into the tank valve outlet opening using five or seven threads depending upon the pressure to be contained within the tank.

Heretofore, a dust and water cap has generally been used as standard equipment for covering the opening of an air pressure inlet valve of the first-stage regulator member when the regulator is not in use. The dust cover is typically either plastic or rubber and is held in place by the yoke and hand knob. Moreover, the valve connection of the DIN valve arrangement as well as the alternate air source for the intermediate pressure hose also generally have removable caps which cover the inlet opening when not in use. When a scuba diver completes his or her diving, the gas cylinder valve is released from the regulator inlet valve. At this time, ideally the dust and water cap is attached to the top of the air inlet valve to prevent water and contaminates such as described above from entering the air inlet valve and contaminating, rusting and/or corroding the internal air filter and other internal parts inside the valve. Unfortunately, as can be imaged, divers often forget to install the dust cap on the air inlet valve and/or the cap on the alternate air regulator member inlet, and the internal regulator filter then becomes contaminated when the scuba equipment is washed down after a dive or later when the valve is exposed to outdoor elements. This is particularly true of new or student divers. The contamination can cause a gas restriction inside the regulator assembly and a potential breathing hazard to the diver. Also, the gas restriction can cause the high-pressure gas to break apart portions of the air filter, which can cause internal damage and failure of working parts inside the regulator assembly. Further, water entering the regulator assembly at either the first or second stage regulator members can cause internal rusting and corrosion of the working parts and failure of the regulator. While significant technical advances have been made over the years since the advent of the scuba diving system, this problem of preventing inadvertent or negligent contamination of the regulator system has never been satisfactorily addressed. In almost 60 years of scuba diving equipment development, a dust cover manually put into place by the diver is the best that has been achieved to date.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,257, 5,685,297 and 5,687,712 all disclose scuba diving regulator assemblies and valves therein, but none address the problem discussed above nor are they directed to regulator inlet valve construction in any particular manner. Consequently, there remains a significant need in general and more specifically in the diving industry, for a fluid, and in particular breathable gas, control system that will allow gas to flow into regulator members as required yet prevent any fluid or particulate contaminants from passing into the regulator inlet valves inadvertently without requiring one to remember to physically place a cover or cap over the inlet valve when not in use. The present invention with all its various embodiments addresses this significant problem in fluid flow systems in general and more particularly in the use of breathable gas regulators for scuba diving systems, oxygen delivery systems, emergency breathing systems and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid flow regulation device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a one-way control valve arrangement wherein fluid may flow through the valve only at pre established pressures.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve arrangement for use with compressed gas wherein the valve prevents entry of any fluid or other particulate matter yet enables easy flow of pressurized gas therethrough.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inlet valve construction for use in scuba regulator assemblies which allows the free flow of gas to the diver yet prevents the entry of water or other fluid as well as airborne contaminates.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inlet valve assembly for use in both first and second stage members of scuba regulator assemblies which eliminates the need for separate cover elements to prevent the entry of water or other fluid as well as airborne contaminates into the regulator assembly.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element in opposition to the bias force. Finally, a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within the passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical first-stage regulator member of a yoke-style dual stage regulator assembly for a scuba diving unit incorporating a known prior art gas inlet valve arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG. 1 taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a typical gas outlet yoke-style connection valve of a standard scuba tank as is well known in the art;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the first stage regulator member of FIG. 1 connected to the gas outlet yoke-style connection valve of the standard scuba tank of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one yoke-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 and illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 9 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the spring containment sleeve of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open pos to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a first stage regulator member with a yoke connection modified to include an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention with its components in position for mounting within the inlet portion thereof;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethroügh and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 16 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 15 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 19 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 18 but illustrating this third inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 22 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 21 but illustrating this fourth inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 25 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 24 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 27 is a side plan view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment and connection arrangement as constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 28-28 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 29-29 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 30-30 of FIG. 27 and illustrating this DIN-style inlet valve embodiment in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;

FIG. 31 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the DIN style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation while particularly illustrating an alternate bias mechanism;

FIG. 33 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 32 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of a second stage, alternate gas regulator component of a known two-stage regulator assembly having a quick connect/disconnect junction;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a quick connect/disconnect junction as illustrated in FIG. 35 but modified to incorporate integrally therewith an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention, the inlet valve embodiment being illustrated in a closed position to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation.

FIG. 37 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 36 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the first stage regulator component with a part in elevation of yet another known type of yoke-style two-stage regulator device for a scuba unit;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an inlet valve constructed in accordance with the present invention adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation and modified to replace the standard inlet valve and yoke retainer of the first stage regulator component of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device for a scuba unit;

FIG. 42 is a partial sectional view of the unit illustrated in FIG. 41 modified to incorporate an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention as an integral portion of the first stage regulator component thereof and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;

FIG. 44 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 43 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of an embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 46 but having a modified pressure responsive member

FIG. 48 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment of FIG. 48;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment of FIG. 15 wherein the valve is adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;

FIG. 49A is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 49 but illustrating still another bias mechanism embodiment;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;

FIG. 51 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 50 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of another quick connect/disconnect junction similar to that illustrated in FIG. 36 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;

FIG. 54 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 53 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation and in position for attachment to a Scuba tank valve;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and similar to that illustrated in FIG. 27 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation and in position for attachment to a Scuba DIN-type tank valve;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of yet another pressure responsive element embodiment for use with the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a partial sectional view of a modified first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device for a scuba unit similar to that illustrated in FIG. 42 but adapted for using a magnetic switch for valve activation;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 49 but illustrating yet another bias mechanism embodiment utilizing magnetic members;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15 but illustrating an alternate bias mechanism and valve activation embodiment;

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating yet another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment;

FIG. 64A is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 64A-64A of FIG. 64;

FIG. 64B is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 64B-64B of FIG. 64;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 65 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position;

FIG. 67 is a partial sectional view of a modified first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device attached a scuba unit valve and illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating a further alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position; and

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to that of FIG. 68 but illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a valve arrangement, both removable as well as integral, for controlling fluid flow in devices of various types. More particularly, the valve of the present invention is designed as an inlet valve to enable one-way fluid flow into a device while preventing undesirable materials from entering the device. The preferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in detail herein are particularly adapted for use in gas pressure regulators for scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving units. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be utilized with or incorporated as a part of any type of device or apparatus wherein fluid in the form of liquid or gas must enter the device under pressure. Other such examples may include fire, rescue and air emergency breathing units as well as oxygen units.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a scuba unit 10 of standard well-known design is illustrated having a regulator assembly 12 and a tank 14 for compressed breathable gas. Typically, the scuba tank 14 is a steel or aluminum cylinder designed to contain compressed gas at substantial pressures, i.e., well over 3000 psi. The most preferred breathable gas is simply compressed air. However, a variety of gas mixtures, such as nitrogen/oxygen blends commonly referred to as Nitrox as well as other gas blends which may include various other inert gases, are becoming more commonly used by the recreational scuba diver. It should be understood, therefore, that when the terms breathable gas or compressed air are used in this application, such terms are intended to also include other types of gas mixtures both common and uncommon to the scuba diving industry. Another compressed gas mixture which may benefit from the present invention includes argon which is occasionally used in conjunction with dry suit inflation rather than breathable gas mixtures. These applications will be discussed in greater detail below.

The tank 14 of the scuba unit 10 includes a gas inlet/outlet valve 16 which typically includes a valve body portion 18 threadable into the tank 14, a hand operated control knob 20 for opening and closing the valve 16, and an inlet/outlet opening 22. In one form of tank valve connection, that is the yoke-type valve, the opening 22 generally includes a recessed area 24 which contains a small orifice 26 that communicates with the interior of the tank 14 through the valve body portion 18. An annular ridge 28 surrounds the recess 24 to form an annular groove wherein a removable O-ring 30 is provided between the ridge 28 and the recess 24. This arrangement insures an airtight seal with any device that is secured to the opening 22. This particular arrangement for the valve 16 is for attachment to a yoke-type regulator as described below. The other basic tank inlet/outlet arrangement (not illustrated) is designed for attachment to a DIN valve, and in this embodiment the ridge 28 is in the form of a collar which projects substantially outwardly from the valve body 18 and includes threads that are designed for threaded engagement with a DIN valve regulator as described further below.

The regulator assembly 12 is a dual or two-stage regulator and typically includes a first stage regulator member 32 and a second stage regulator member 33. The first stage regulator member 32 is removably secured to the tank valve outlet 22 and is designed to reduce the gas pressure from the tank 14 of 3000 or more psi to an intermediate gas pressure of approximately 140 psi. The intermediate pressure gas then passes through a hose 36 to the second stage regulator member 33, wherein the gas pressure is further reduced to ambient pressure which is dependent upon the depth of the scuba diver. In this manner, the diver can readily breathe the gas from the second stage regulator member 33 at any depth.

In a yoke-type regulator, the housing 34 includes a gas inlet opening 38 which is surrounded by a raised collar or flange 40. A metal filter member 42 is positioned within the housing 34 below the opening 38 for the purpose of filtering any and all gas and other materials entering the opening 38. A C-clip 44 is utilized to hold the filter 42 in the opening 38. A nut 46 maintains a yoke 48 in position at the opening 38. The yoke 48 is typically a U-shaped or an A-shaped element that is sized sufficiently to permit the tank valve 16 to be positioned between the collar 40 and the top of the yoke 48. A hand knob 50 with a screw member 52 passes through the top of the yoke 48 is designed to tighten against the backside 53 of the tank valve 16 to press the collar 40 against the ridge 28 and O-ring 30 of the tank valve 16 to secure the two members together. In certain regulator designs, the nut 46, the collar 40, the filter 42 and the C-clip 44 are all part of a valve housing which is threadably secured within a bore disposed in the regulator housing 32. In other designs, these components are individually mounted within the bore as an integral part of the housing 32.

As is clearly evident, when the first stage regulator member 32 is not secured to a tank valve 16, liquid and other contaminants including airborne particulates can enter the inlet opening 38 and pass into the filter 42 and the rest of the regulator assembly 12. Since it is a recommended procedure to thoroughly rinse or soak all scuba diving equipment in clean fresh water after each use, entry of water into the inlet opening 38 would prove disastrous to the proper operation of the regulator assembly 12. This is because water will rust and corrode the internal metal components of the regulator assembly 12 as well as damage other attached components such as a dive computer, and particulate contaminants can block small orifices and otherwise cause galvanic or other reactions within the regulator assembly 12, all of which will at least negatively affect the operation of the regulator and possibly cause it or its attached components to fail entirely. It would be a dangerous situation if the first stage regulator member failed during its use by a scuba diver while under water.

This problem has been well recognized since the advent of the scuba unit, and for well over 50 years the answer has been to provide a dust cover 54. The dust cover 54 is generally made of plastic or rubber and is removably positioned over or against the collar 40 when the first stage regulator member 32 is not in use. The screw 52 is tightened against the top 56 of the dust cover 54 to press the dust cover 54 firmly against the inlet opening 38, thereby preventing entry of water and other contaminants. A similar removable cap arrangement is utilized for the second stage regulator alternate air source as described below. Unfortunately, it is a common mistake to forget to place the dust cover 54 over the inlet opening 38 before rinsing the regulator assembly 12, thereby flooding the first or second stage regulator members 32, 33. Alternatively, the dust cover 54 may be positioned properly but is not sufficiently tight to prevent entry of water into the inlet opening 38. The present invention obviates the requirement for the dust cover 54 and the entire problem inherent with its use.

The fluid flow control valve of the present invention can be constructed and designed as a separate valve unit which is threadably secured within a regulator member housing. Alternatively, the valve assembly of the present invention can be formed as an integral part of the regulator assembly housing so that only the individual components are removable rather then the entire valve assembly containing the individual components as in the first instance.

Therefore, it should be understood that while the specific embodiments illustrated herein may be in one form or the other, the present invention is not to be specifically limited to either form. Moreover, while the specific embodiments illustrated and discussed below are specific adaptations for use with a scuba diving regulator assembly, the present invention is not to be limited thereby and may be utilized with any type of fluid inlet control valve wherein the fluid is under compression. Thus, the present invention should be limited only by the claims as set forth at the end of this application and as interpreted in view of the prior art.

Referring now with particularity to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-14, a fluid flow control valve 60 includes a housing 62 having a top or inlet end 64, a central shaft 65 and a bottom or outlet end 66. The housing 62 may be made of any suitable water-resistant material and is preferably galvanized metal. The inlet end 64 of the housing 62 is the functional equivalent of the inlet opening 38 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The housing shaft 65 includes a threaded portion 68 which is designed to engage a bore 69 (FIG. 14) disposed within the first stage regulator housing 34. A nut-shaped portion 70 is the functional equivalent of the nut 46 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is designed to assist in threadably engaging the valve housing 62 into the regulator housing 34 as well as to hold the yoke 48 in position. A removable O-ring 72 is provided to help maintain a watertight seal and keep the interior of the regulator housing 34 dry as well as prevent the escape of pressurized gas. A raised collar 74 is provided for engagement against the O-ring 30 of the tank valve inlet opening 22, and a groove 76 is disposed radially inwardly from the collar 74 to assist in the engagement of collar 74 against the tank valve inlet opening 22 as well as providing a channel for draining loose water away from the inlet opening. This enables the inlet end 64 to remain free from water to prevent its inadvertent entry into the housing 62.

An axial bore 78 extends along the interior length of the housing 62. The diameter “y” of the bore 78 is substantially uniform along its entire length except for the portion adjacent the upper or inlet end 64. The end opening the 80 of the bore 78 has a diameter “x” narrower than the diameter “y” of the bore 80. In preferred form, an annular curved radial lip 82 is formed in the upper end portion of the bore 78 so as to narrow the diameter “y” of the bore 78 gradually to form the opening 80 having a diameter “x”. An annular internal groove 84 is provided within the bore 78 proximate the lower or bottom end portion 66 of the housing 62 and is sized to mount a removable C-clip 86 therein.

A pressure responsive member or element 88 is positioned within the bore 78 proximate the upper or inlet end 64. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of a piston 90 having a head portion 92 terminating in an upper curved surface 94 which seals against the lip 82 and projects outwardly from the opening 80. This outward projection also assists in keeping water away from the junction of the opening 80. It should be understood that while curved upper surfaces at the end of the pressure responsive element 88, such as the surface 94, are preferred and illustrated throughout this application, other surface shapes and arrangements may be used to plug or seal the opening 80.

An internal pocket 96 is formed in the lower portion of the piston 90 and terminates in an end opening 98. A plurality of fluid channeling elements preferably in the form of longitudinal channels or grooves 100 are disposed along the outer surface of the piston 90 and extend from the end opening 98 and terminate short of the upper curved surface 94. In this manner, fluid cannot flow along the channels 100 unless the head portion 92 has been disengaged from the lip 82 and the opening 80. In preferred form, a bias mechanism in the form of a coiled spring 102 is provided and is sized to fit within the pocket 96. The upper end portion 104 of the coiled spring 102 terminates at the upper end portion of the pocket 96, while the lower end portion 106 of the coiled spring 102 extends outwardly from the pocket 96. In preferred form, a spring containment sleeve 108 is provided having an internal cavity 110 for receiving the lower end portion 106 of the coiled spring 102. The sleeve 108 terminates a base portion 110 which includes a plurality of notches 112 which are preferably sized and spaced according to the longitudinal channels 100 of the piston 90. A metal filter element 114 having an enlarged base 115 is provided below the containment sleeve 108 and is sized and shaped to block the entire bore 78 so that any fluid passing through the bore 78 must pass through the filter 114. The c-clip 86 is preferably positioned within the annular groove 84 below the metal filter 114.

Referring particularly to FIG. 8, the inlet valve 60 is illustrated in a closed position wherein the upper curved surface 94 of the piston 90 is in firm contact with the annular lip 82 so as to seal the opening 80 to the bore 78. The bias mechanism in the preferred form of the coil spring 102 creates a bias force against the piston 90 and the bottom of the containment sleeve 108 so as to press the upper surface 94 against the internal lip 82. The containment sleeve 108, the filter 114 and the c-clip 86 are all sized, shaped and positioned so that the bias mechanism 102 provides sufficient bias force to close the piston 90 against the lip 82 and seal the opening 80. In this closed position, neither fluid, liquid nor particulate matter of any kind can pass into the bore 78 through the inlet 80.

Referring to FIG. 13, when a compressive force is exerted axially against the upper surface 94 of the piston 90 and is of sufficient strength to overcome the bias force of the spring 102, the piston 90 moves axially into the bore 78. This movement of the piston 90 disengages the upper surface 94 from the annular lip 82 thereby opening the end 80. Fluid may then pass through the opening 80 and into the bore 78. The channels 100 and the notches 112 permit such fluid entering the opening 80 to pass along the exterior length of the piston 90 and the containment sleeve 108, through the filter 114, and to exit out the end opening 116 of the bore 78.

As a result of the above arrangement and referring now to FIG. 14, when the valve 60 forms the inlet opening for a first stage regulator member 32, the normally closed position of the valve 60 resulting from the bias force of the spring member 102 as illustrated in FIG. 8 prevents water and airborne particulates from entering the first stage regulator housing. This construction eliminates the need for the dust cap 54 in that the piston 90 which is engaged against the annular lip 82 will seal the inlet valve 60 from any exterior fluid or contaminant material. When a first stage regulator member 32 containing the valve 60 of the present invention is attached to a scuba tank outlet valve 16, however, the force from the compressed gas in the tank 14 overcomes the bias force of the spring 102 to press the piston 90 into the bore 78. This action permits the compressed gas to pass through the bore 78, out the exit opening 116 and into the regulator housing 34. The bias force of the spring 102 may be adjusted to any desired strength. However, in order to permit the maximum amount of breathable gas from the tank 14 to be utilized by a scuba diver through the first stage regulator member, the bias force is preferably set as low as possible yet of sufficient strength to firmly engage the upper surface 94 against the annular lip 82 to close the opening 80 when the first stage regulator member 12 is not attached to a scuba tank 14. While this bias strength force may be selected at any level, a minimum force of preferably 5-10 psi should probably be established to prevent inadvertent entry of fluid or contaminants into the bore 78 and regulator member 32 when the regulator member 32 is disconnected from a scuba tank outlet valve 16. It should be understood, however, that this minimum force is a variable which may be selected and adjusted as needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, a second embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment is preferably in the form of a valve member 118 that includes a housing 62 constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiment of FIGS. 5-14. The housing 62 of this embodiment includes the upper or inlet end portion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, a central bore 78, an annular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening 80, and an exit opening 116. In this particular embodiment, the bias mechanism is also a coil spring 102. However, in this embodiment, the lower end portion 106 of the spring 102 is positioned around the filter member 114 against the base 115 thereof. There is no spring containment sleeve in this embodiment. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is engaged with a pressure responsive element 88 as in the prior embodiment.

In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is preferably in the form of a solid piston head 120 having an upper curved surface 122 similar to the surface 94 of the prior embodiment. A plurality of axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 124 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 100 of the prior embodiment. However, the bottom portion 126 of the piston head 120 includes a raised element 128 which forms an annular shoulder 130. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized to surround the shoulder 130 to securely engage the end portion 126 of the piston head 120. When the valve member 118 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 15, the piston head upper surface 122 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston head upper surface 122, the piston head is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiment to allow the fluid to pass through the opening 80, through the channels 124, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the piston head upper surface 122 is preferably compressed breathable gas.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a third embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment is preferably in the form of a valve member 132 that includes a housing 62 constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiments for FIGS. 5-17. The housing 62 of this embodiment includes the upper or inlet end portion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, a central bore 78, an annular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening 80, and an exit opening 116. In this embodiment, the bias mechanism is also a coil spring 102, and the lower end portion 106 of the spring 102 is positioned to be engaged within a spring containment sleeve 108 having a base portion 110 with notches 112, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-14. In this particular embodiment, however, the filter member 134 is substantially flat as opposed to the conical shape of the prior embodiments, the c-clip 86 holding all the internal components of the valve 132 in place within the bore 78. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is engaged with a pressure responsive element 88 as in the prior embodiments.

In this particular embodiment the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of a solid element 136 having an upper curved surface 138 similar to the surfaces 94 and 122 of the prior embodiments. A plurality of axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 140 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 100 and 124 of the prior embodiments. However, the bottom portion 142 of the element 136 includes a plunger mechanism 144 having a shaft 146 extending downwardly from the bottom 142 and an annular foot 148. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 engages the foot 148 to exert and transfer the bias force from the spring 102 to the element 136. When the valve member 132 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 18, the element upper surface 138 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the element upper surface 138, the element 136 is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiments to allow the fluid to pass through the opening 80, through the channels 140, through the notches 112, through the filter 134 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the element upper surface 138 is preferably compressed breathable gas. When the fluid pressure ceases to be exerted against the element upper surface 138, the bias force from the spring mechanism 102 pushes the element 136 axially so as to reengage the upper surface 138 with the annular lip 82 thereby closing the valve 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a fourth embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This particular embodiment includes a valve member 150 that is substantially identical to the valve member 118 of FIGS. 15-17 except for the construction of the pressure responsive element 88. In this embodiment as with all the embodiments, like numerals designate like parts. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of a solid piston head 152 having an upper curved surface 154 similar to the surface 122 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17. A plurality of axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 156 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 124 of the prior embodiment. However, the bottom portion 158 of the piston head 152 includes an annular, radially recessed groove 160 which forms a radial shoulder 162. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized to surround the shoulder 162 and seat in the groove 160 to securely engage the end portion 158 of the piston head 152. When the valve member 150 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 21, the piston head upper surface 154 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston head upper surface 154, the piston head is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiment to allow the fluid to pass through the bore 78, through the channels 156, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 150 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the piston head upper surface 154 is preferably compressed breathable gas.

Yet another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. This embodiment includes a valve member 164 that is substantially similar to the valve member 150 of the prior embodiment of FIGS. 21-23 except for the construction of the pressure responsive element 88. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is preferably in the form of an orb or ball 166 having a continuous curved outer surface, any portion of which may serve as an upper curved surface 168 similar to the surface 154 of the embodiment of FIGS. 21-23. The ball 166 is sized to have a diameter greater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yet smaller than the diameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 166 is seated in the upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 and held in position on the spring 102. When the valve member 164 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of the surface of the ball 166 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the ball upper surface 168 projecting slightly beyond the opening 80, the ball 166 is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiments. The fluid is then allowed to pass into the bore 78, past the outer surface of the ball 166 which has a narrower diameter than the bore 78, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 164 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the ball upper surface 168 is preferably compressed breathable gas.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-34, still another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 and includes a valve member 170 having a housing 62 structured substantially identical to the prior embodiments. The internal components of the valve member 170 are similar to those of the valve member 164 illustrated in FIGS. 24-26 except for the construction of the spring bias element 172 and its connection to the pressure responsive or sensing member 88. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is again preferably in the form. of an orb or ball 174 having a continuous curved outer surface. The spring bias element 172 includes an upper end portion 176 projecting from a spring lever arm 178, and a base cage portion 180. The cage portion 180 is sized and shaped to slidingly fit over a conical shaped metal filter 114 and rest on the filter base 115. The ball 174 is fixed to the distal end of the end portion 176.

The ball 174 is fixed to the upper portion 176 of the spring bias element lever arm 178 so that a portion of its upper outer surface may serve as an upper curved surface 182 similar to the surface 168 of the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26. The ball 174 is sized to have a diameter greater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yet smaller than the diameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 178 is fixed to the upper distal end of the lever arm 178 so that when the valve member 170 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 32, the ball upper curved surface 182 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the ball upper surface 182 projecting slightly beyond the opening 80, the ball 174 is moved angularly into the bore 78 controlled by the lever arm 178. The fluid is then allowed to pass into the bore 78, past the outer surface of the ball 174 having a narrower diameter than the bore 78, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 170 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the ball upper surface 182 is preferably compressed breathable gas. Upon cessation of the axial force from the compressed gas or other fluid, the lever arm 178 moves the ball 174 back into its closed position wherein the upper surface 182 engages the annular lip 82 and closes the opening 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein it is adapted for use in a DIN valve arrangement. As previously explained, the DIN valve 184 includes a housing 186 with rear exterior thread members 188 that are designed to screw the housing 184 into a first stage regulator housing similar to the housing 32 of FIG. 1, only adapted for a DIN-style valve rather than a yoke-style valve. A separate attachment element 190 is designed to slide over the housing 184 and engage the nut portion 192 of the housing 184. The exterior threads 194 are designed to screw into a compatible aperture located in the outlet/inlet valve housing 16 of a scuba tank cylinder 14. The aforementioned elements of the DIN-style housing 184 are all standard features well known to the art. However, the remaining features of the valve 184 including the internal components thereof are all adapted In accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The upper or fluid inlet end portion 196 of the housing 186 includes the nut 192, and the lower or fluid outlet end portion 198 of the housing 186 includes the exterior threads 188. A center shaft portion 200 interconnects the inlet portion 196 with the outlet portion 198. The upper end portion 196 includes an annular groove 202 disposed in the end surface 204 of the nut 192, and an O-ring 206 is disposed within the groove 202. An end collar 208 projects outwardly from the surface 204 of the nut 192. A central bore 210 is disposed within the housing 186 similar to the bore 78 of the prior embodiments and has a diameter “y”. The bore 210 includes an inlet opening 212 having a diameter “x” which is less than the diameter “y” of the bore 210, again similar to the prior embodiments. The end opening 212 is disposed in the collar 208 and defines a curved annular interior lip 214. A pressure responsive or sensitive element 88, a spring bias mechanism 102 and a spring containment sleeve 108 similar to those of FIGS. 5-13 are preferably utilized within the bore 210 of the housing 186 of the present embodiment. Due to the fact that DIN-type valves 184 are considerably longer than yoke-type valves 60, a tubular spacer element 216 is positioned between the bottom of the containment sleeve base 112 and the base plate 115 of the fibrous metal filter 114. A c-clip 86 is utilized to maintain the position of all the aforementioned components within the bore 210.

As described in the previous embodiments, the pressure responsive element 88 preferably in the form of a piston 92 includes a curved upper surface 94. The upper surface 94 is shaped to firmly engage the inner annular lip 214 when the valve 184 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 30. When fluid pressure, as in the form of compressed gas from a scuba tank, is exerted in an inward axial direction against the surface 94 of the piston 92 and is of sufficient strength to overcome the bias force applied by the spring 102, the spring 102 is compressed and the piston 92 moved axially inwardly into the bore 210. When this occurs, the fluid may then pass through the opening 212, through the fluid channels or grooves 100, through the notches 112, through the interior of the spacer 216, through the fibrous metal filter 114 and out the exit opening 218. As with the prior embodiments, undesirable fluids and particulate material cannot enter the valve 184 when it is in its closed position due to the bias force of the spring 102 against the piston 92. However, when pressurized fluid, such as in the form of compressed gas or air from a scuba tank, is exerted against the surface 94 of the piston 92, the piston 92 is moved and the gas or air passes through the valve 184 and into the first stage regulator.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a second stage regulator member 220 is illustrated in the form of an alternate air or gas source as previously described. The illustrated regulator member 220 includes an air inflator valve 222 for controlling inflation of a buoyancy control device (not illustrated) typical in the art, and a quick disconnect valve 224. The quick disconnect valve 224 of standard exterior design is arranged for connecting an intermediate pressure hose such as hose 226 of FIG. 4 to the second stage regulator member 220. As previously described, the second stage regulator member 220 is designed to reduce the intermediate pressure of the compressed breathable gas from the hose 226 to ambient pressure so that a diver may readily breathe it through a mouth piece 228. The valve 224 includes a housing 230 which is threadably positioned within the regulator member 220. The housing 230 includes an inlet end portion 232 and an outlet end portion 234. The outlet end portion 234 includes exterior thread members 236 for engagement with a receiver nut 238 which is part of the regulator assembly 220. A pair of flanges 240, 242 and a pair of O-rings 244, 246 assist in maintaining the valve housing 230 within the regulator member 220.

The housing 230 preferably includes an interior axial bore 248 which extends the length thereof. As in the prior embodiments, the axial bore 248 has a diameter “y” and terminates at the inlet end portion 232 in an inlet opening 250, which has a narrower diameter “x”. An interior annular lip 252 is formed at the inlet portion 232 to define the opening 250. A pressure responsive or sensitive element 254 is preferably formed as a piston 256 having elongated channeling elements 258 in the form of grooves along the exterior surface thereof. An upper curved surface 260 is sized and shaped to engage the annular lip 252 so as to seal the opening 250 when the valve 224 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 36. The spring bias member 262 is provided for engaging the interior of the piston 256 at its upper end portion 264. The lower end portion 266 of the spring bias member 262 is positioned within a containment sleeve 268 having a base 270 with fluid passage notches 272. The base 270 of the containment sleeve 268 rests against a fibrous metallic filter 114, and a C-clip 86 is utilized as in the prior embodiments to maintain the components discussed above within the central bore 248. When an intermediate hose 226 is attached to the inlet end portion 232 of the valve 224 and compressed gas introduced therein, the pressure from the gas against the upper surface 260 of the piston 254 presses the piston 254 into the bore 248 (see FIG. 38) against the force of the bias member 262. As in prior embodiments, the compressed gas can then enter the inlet opening 250 to pass along the grooves 258 into the central bore 248, through the notches 272, through the filter 114 and then out the exit opening 274.

Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 40, a standard and known first stage regulator member 276 is illustrated. The regulator member 276 includes an inlet opening 278 which contains a standard metal filter therein. An end cap or yoke retainer element 280 is utilized to seal the regulator end opening 278. This regulator member 280 may be modified for use with the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 40. In this instance, the end cap or yoke retainer nut 280 and the metal filter within the opening 278 are removed. In their place, an inlet valve 282 is inserted into the opening 278. The valve 282 includes a housing 284 having threads 286 and O-ring elements 288, 290 to engage the threads 292 to secure the housing 284 to the regulator member 276. A tubular element 294 extends downwardly from the upper surface 296 of the housing 282. The tubular element 294 includes a central bore 298 which extends the entire length thereof and terminates at the inlet end portion 296 in an opening 300 which has a narrower diameter than the bore 298, as in the prior embodiments. A pressure responsive element 302 includes an upper curved surface 304 which engages an annular inner lip 306 when in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 40. A plurality of elongated channeling grooves 308 are disposed along the surface of the piston member 302. A biasing mechanism in the form of a coil spring 310 is positioned within the piston 302 and extends into a sleeve containment member 312. A flat fibrous metallic filter the form of a wafer-like structure 314 is positioned below the containment sleeve 312, and a c-clip 86 is utilized to maintain the internal components within the central bore 298. Again, when fluid pressure is exerted against the upper curved surface 304 of the piston member 302, the piston 302 is pressed into the bore 298 to enable the pressurized fluid to pass through the channeling grooves 308, through the filter 314 and out the exit opening 316.

Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein the present invention is in the form of an integral valve arrangement disposed within a regulator housing. More specifically, a first stage regulator member 320 of standard design includes a housing 322, a plurality of high and low pressure outlets 324, 326, and an inlet element 328. A diaphragm (not illustrated) is typically positioned within the housing 322 below the inlet element 328. A high-pressure seat 330 is disposed within the housing 322 on the high-pressure side of the diaphragm. A pin 332 and a pin support 334 are provided for engaging the high-pressure seat 330. A spring 336, an O-ring 338 and a backup ring 340 are all disposed about the high-pressure seat 330. A spring block 342 is provided for engaging the upper end of the high-pressure seat 330. A second spring element 344 is positioned on the upper end of the spring block 342, and a filter member 346 is positioned thereon and maintained in place by a c-clip 86. An end cap 348, a yoke 48, a hand knob 50 and a dust cover 54 are also all provided. As can be seen by this assembly, the integral valve components within the valve housing 322 are all potentially exposed to water and solid contaminants if the dust cover 54 is not properly positioned as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 42, the standard regulator 320 of FIG. 41 has been modified to incorporate the present invention as an integral part thereof. In this particular embodiment, the regulator member 350 includes a housing 352 having an inlet end portion 354. The housing 352 includes a central bore 356 which passes axially along the length thereof. An end cap 358 is threadably engageable with the base of the housing 352. A diaphragm of standard design 360 is positioned at the inner surface of the end cap 358. Disposed within the lower portion of the bore 356 within the housing 352 is a pin 332, a pin support 334, a high-pressure seat 330, a high-pressure seat spring element 336, an O-ring 338, the backup ring 340, and a spring block 342, all components standard to the known regulator member 320. In this particular in embodiment, however, a pressure responsive or sensitive element in the form of a piston 362 is positioned within the bore 356 at the inlet end portion 354. The piston 362 includes an upper curved surface 364, and an inner annular lip 366 is provided to define the end opening 368 of the bore 356. The diameter of the end opening 368 is less than the diameter of the bore 356 as in the prior embodiments. In this manner, the upper curved surface 364 of the piston 362 engages the annular lip 366 to seal the end opening 368 when the valve 350 is in its closed position as illustrated in the FIG. 42.

The lower end portion of the piston member 362 includes a projection 370 having a diameter less than the piston member 362 thereby forming an annular shoulder 372. A bias mechanism 374 preferably in the form of a coil spring is positioned between the piston element 362 and the filter 346, the upper end portion of the spring 374 being disposed about the annular shoulder 372. A removable high-pressure crown 376 with an O-ring 378 is provided below the high-pressure seat 330. A spacer element 380 is positioned between the crown 376, and a c-clip 86 is provided to maintain all the components in position within the bore 372. Finally, an intermediate spring 382 is provided on the intermediate pressure side of the diaphragm 360 and is disposed within the tightener element 384 which is engageable within the end cap 358. The tightener member 384 can be utilized to adjust the intermediate pressure of the diaphragm 360. As a result of this construction, the piston element 362 maintains the opening 368 in a sealed condition as a result of the bias from the spring 374. Once the housing 350 is attached to a source of pressurized gas, the force from the pressurized gas against the curved surface 364 presses the piston element 362 into the bore 356 to allow compressed gas to pass into the bore 356 and against the diaphragm 360. The embodiments described above are considered to be fail-safe in that they are continuously maintained in a closed position absent a pre-established external pressure exerted against the pressure response mechanism thereof. Furthermore, the above embodiments are particularly designed to be responsive to fluid pressure in the form of gas or liquid for opening the inlet valves and moving the pressure responsive element from a closed position to an open position thereby enabling the fluid or gas to flow through the valve. An alternative fail-safe mechanism for operating the inlet valve of the present invention involves mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact against the pressure responsive element in lieu of fluid pressure.

Referring now to FIGS. 43-46, a fluid flow control valve 390 includes a housing 62 having a top or inlet end 64, a central passageway 78 and a bottom or outlet end 66 as in the prior embodiments and in particular as in FIG. 15. As previously indicated, like numerals indicate like parts between the various figures herein. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 392 is adapted to move reciprocally within the passageway 78 in response to external pressure exerted thereon, likewise similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. However, in this particular embodiment the pressure responsive element 392 is adapted to respond to pressure in the form of physical contact exerted against the outermost end portion 394 thereof in lieu of fluid pressure.

In this preferred form, the pressure responsive element 392 is generally bullet-shaped and is preferably in the form of a cylindrical member tapered to a pointed end portion 394. A plurality of longitudinal channels or grooves 396 are disposed along the exterior surface of the element 392 and are adapted to permit fluid to flow therethrough into the passageway 78 when the valve 390 is in its open position as illustrated in FIG. 45, similar to the grooves 124 in the embodiment of FIG. 15. As in prior embodiments, an annular curved radial lip 398 is formed in the upper end portion 64 of the passageway 78. The upper tapered annular portion 400 of the element 392 is sized and shaped to engage the lip 398 when the valve 390 is in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 43, the channels 396 being positioned below the contact point between the tapered portion 400 and the lip 398 to prevent fluid from flowing into the passageway 78. Again, as in the prior embodiments, a bias mechanism in the form of a coiled spring 102 urges the pressure responsive element 392 to its closed position absent a pre-established mechanical pressure against the end portion 394. When this inlet valve 390 is mounted to a scuba tank valve inlet 22 (FIG. 3), the end portion 394 of the pressure responsive 392 is pressed inwardly into the passageway 78 by contact with the tank inlet surface 24, thereby opening the valve 390 and permitting fluid flow to pass from the tank valve through passageway 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 47-48, a slight modification of the prior embodiment of FIGS. 43-46 is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 402 of the valve 390′ is not a bullet-shaped cylinder with an annular surface, but rather is an elongated square member having the upper portions 404 angled inwardly toward each other. The upper portions 404 terminate in a truncated end surface 406 which, like the end portion 394 of the prior embodiment, is designed to mechanically engage a tank valve inlet surface 24 to create external pressure thereon and force the valve 390′ to an open position.

Another modification of the embodiments of FIGS. 43-48 is illustrated in FIG. 49. In this particular embodiment, the inlet valve 408 is virtually identical to the valve illustrated in FIG. 21 except for a modification which enables it to be responsive to mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact in lieu of fluid pressure at the inlet end 64. In this embodiment, a pin element 410 is mounted to the pressure responsive piston head 152 and extends outwardly therefrom to terminate in a contact head 412. In this particular embodiment, the contact head 412 is adapted to engage a tank valve surface 24 to physically press the pressure responsive piston head 152 into the passageway 78, thereby enabling fluid to flow into the passageway 78.

The embodiment of FIG. 49, or for that matter any other embodiment illustrated herein, may be modified further to provide an alternative bias exerting mechanism 102. This modification is illustrated in FIG. 49A. In this particular embodiment, the bias exerting mechanism is in the form of a Schraeder® valve 414, a trademarked product used in tire and many other pressure filling situations. This valve 414 is a high pressure, spring-loaded 2-way air valve typically used in tire valve stems. The high pressure, 2-way valve 414 is preferably mounted to a bracket 416 to maintain the valve 414 in the passageway 78. The valve 414 includes a spring-loaded plunger rod 418 which is engaged with a bottom shoulder 420 of the pressure responsive piston head 152. In this manner, when physical pressure is exerted against the contact head 412 of the pin element 410, the bias created by the valve 414 is overcome, and the piston head 152 is moved into the passageway 78 to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-52, another mechanical pressure-activated embodiment is illustrated. This embodiment illustrates a fluid flow control valve which is quite similar functionally and in design to the valve 390 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 43-45 except for the shape of the pressure responsive element 424. In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 424 preferably includes a first cylindrical portion 426 for positioning within the passageway 78, a plurality of fluid channels 427 disposed along the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 426, a second cylindrical portion 428 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the first cylindrical portion 426, and a beveled portion 430 transitioning between the two cylindrical portions 426, 428. The beveled portion 430 is sized and shaped for engagement with the annular curved radial lip 432 formed in the upper end portion of the passageway 78. The second cylindrical portion terminates in an end surface 434, which is sized and shaped for engagement with a scuba tank valve surface 24 to physically press the pressure responsive element 424 into the passageway 78, thereby enabling fluid to flow into the passageway 78 through the fluid channels 427.

Referring now to FIGS. 53-55, a quick disconnect valve 436 is illustrated and is similar to the quick disconnect valve 224 illustrated in FIGS. 35-38. In this particular embodiment, however, the valve 436 is adapted for opening to fluid flow in response to mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact at the valve inlet similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 43-52. In this embodiment, the valve 436 is virtually identical to the valve embodiment 224 of FIG. 36 except that the pressure responsive or sensitive element 438 is preferably in the form of a two-cylinder piston similar the above embodiment of FIGS. 50-52. In this embodiment, the piston element 438 preferably includes a first cylindrical portion 440 for positioning within the axial bore 248, a plurality of fluid channels 442 disposed along the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 440, a second cylindrical portion 444 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the first cylindrical portion 440, and a beveled portion 446 transitioning between the two cylindrical portions 440, 444. The beveled portion 446 is sized and shaped for engagement with the annular lip 252 formed in the upper end portion of the axial bore 248. The second cylindrical portion 444 terminates in an end surface 448. When an intermediate hose 226 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the inlet end portion 232 of the valve 436, physical pressure from the hose 226 against the end surface 448 of the piston element 438 presses the piston element 438 into the bore 248 as illustrated in FIG. 55 in opposition to the force of the bias member 262. As in prior embodiments, compressed gas from the hose 226 can then enter the inlet opening 250 to pass along the grooves 442 of the first cylindrical portion 40 into the central bore 248.

Referring now to FIG. 56, the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment of FIGS. 43-45 is illustrated in position for attachment to a Scuba tank valve similar to that of FIG. 3. In this illustration, the valve 390 is positioned for engagement with the tank valve opening 22 of the tank valve 16. As can be seen, the outermost end portion 394 of the pressure responsive element 392 is adapted to contact the valve opening surface 24 and respond to pressure from such physical contact exerted thereagainst by moving into the interior of the valve 390 and thereby opening the valve 390 to gas flow from the tank 14 once the tank control knob 20 is turned to release the compressed gas from the tank 14.

FIG. 57 illustrates a similar view as that of FIG. 56 but shows a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment 450 as constructed in accordance with the present invention. The valve 450 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 27-31 but is adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation by contact with a Scuba DIN-type tank valve 452. As illustrated herein, the pressure responsive or sensitive element 454 extends outwardly from the fluid end portion 196 of the valve 450 and is adapted for engagement within the DIN valve opening 456 against the valve surface 458. This physical pressure against the element 454, like that against the element 392 of the prior embodiment, exerts sufficient pressure to press the pressure responsive element into the valve 450 in opposition to the normal bias force present within the valve and open the valve 450 to flow of compressed gas from the tank 14′.

Referring now to FIGS. 58-59, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 50 is modified slightly to accommodate certain types of specialty scuba tank valves, especially in the technical scuba diving arena. An example of such specialty tank valves includes those valves which utilize 6 mm Allen keyholes, which would typically not operate with the embodiments of FIGS. 50-52. In this modified embodiment, the valve 460 includes a pressure responsive element 462 preferably having a first cylindrical portion 464 for positioning within the passageway 78, a plurality of fluid channels 466 disposed along the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 464, a second cylindrical portion 468 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the first cylindrical portion 464, and a beveled portion 470 transitioning between the two cylindrical portions 464, 468. The beveled portion 470 is sized and shaped for engagement with the annular curved radial lip 432 formed in the upper end portion of the passageway 78.

The second cylindrical portion terminates in an end surface 472 which is concave in shape so that the annular peripheral edge 474 engages a scuba tank valve surface to physically press the pressure. responsive element 462 into the passageway 78. This concave shape of the surface 472 is necessitated due to the Allen keyhole arrangement of the specialty tank valve. Consequently, a plurality of channels 476 are provided that extend from the surface 472 to the perimeter of the second cylindrical portion 468. In this manner, when the pressure responsive element 462 is physically pressured into the passageway 78, gas from the scuba tank valve passes into the small area above the surface 472, through the channels 476, along the upper portion of the passageway 78, through the channel grooves 466 and then through the remainder of the passageway 78 out the exit opening 116.

Ref erring to FIG. 60, a slight modification to the embodiment of FIGS. 58-59 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a pressure responsive element 478 is provided for use in the valve 460. The element 478 preferably includes an upper surface 480 and a plurality of tooth elements 482 projecting upwardly therefrom. The tooth elements 482 each have an end surface 484 which engages a scuba tank valve surface 24, as does the edge 474 of the prior embodiment. The tooth elements are spaced from each other to form a plurality of slots 486, which serve the same function as the channels 476 of the prior embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 62, another inlet valve 490 is virtually identical to the valves 150 and 408 illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 49, respectively, except for a modification to the bias exertion mechanism. This valve 490 may be either in the form of a fluid pressure activated valve like that of FIG. 21 or in the form of a valve responsive to mechanical pressure from physical contact like that of FIG. 49. If the valve 490 is in a mechanical pressure activated form, then the pin element 410 is included therewith. Otherwise, the piston head 152 is activated by fluid pressure as in the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In this particular embodiment, the bias exertion mechanism is in the form of a pair of magnetic members 492, 494 having opposite polarities. The upper magnetic member 492, which is illustrated as having a positive polarity, is secured to the bottom of the piston element 152. The bottom magnetic member 494, illustrated as having a negative polarity, is mounted to a support bracket 496 which in turn is secured within the passageway 78 above the filter element 114. In this embodiment, then, the opposing polarities of the magnetic members 492, 494 create a bias force between them that urge the piston element 152 to its closed position absent an opposing force exerted against the piston element outer surface 154 either in the form of fluid pressure directly against the surface 154 or physical mechanical pressure against the pin element 410.

The above embodiments are all disclosed and described as fail safe devices in that the inlet valves are all positively closed by a bias force of some type exerted from within the valve, and to open them requires an opposing external force of some type to overcome the internal bias force. However, certain valve configurations of the present invention can also be opened and closed manually without a spring-type bias force being exerted from within the valve.

Referring now to FIG. 61, an inlet valve arrangement 497 constructed in accordance with the present invention is disposed within a first stage scuba regulator. The valve 497 is similar to that of FIGS. 15 and 21 and is illustrated wherein the valve 497 is in the form of a housing 62 having an inlet opening 64. In this embodiment, however, the piston element 498 is in the form of a large magnetic member also functioning as a piston similar to the prior embodiments. However, a magnetic switch member 500 is provided exterior to the housing 62 and functions to maintain the magnetic piston element 498 in a closed position blocking the inlet opening 64 regardless of fluid pressure exerted against the upper surface 502 of the piston 498. When it is desired to allow fluid to flow into the valve 497, the switch 500 is deactivated thereby allowing fluid pressure to push the piston element 498 into the interior of the valve housing 62 as in prior embodiments. If it is desired to cease fluid flow, then the switch 500 is simply reactivated, and the magnetic piston element 498 is moved to its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 61.

Another manually activated inlet valve assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 63. In this embodiment, a valve 504 includes a housing 505 having a piston or fluid control element 506 similar to piston elements of the prior embodiments. The control element 506 is movable between a closed position wherein the piston element 506 engages the inner annular lip 507 of the passageway 78, and an open position wherein the upper surface 509 of the control element 506 is disengaged from the annular lip 507. The control element 506 includes fluid channels 508 through which fluid passes when the control element 506 is moved away from the annular lip 507 into the passageway 78.

In this embodiment, an actuating armature in the form of a pin element 510 is provided. The pin element 510 penetrates the housing 505 and has an inner end portion 512 disposed within the passageway 78 and an outer end portion 514 disposed exterior to the housing 505. When the pin element 510 is pressed into the passageway 78, it engages the bottom surface 515 of the piston control element 506 and maintains a bias-like force thereagainst to maintain the control element 506 in its closed position. When it is desired to open the valve 504, the pin element 510 is partially withdrawn from the passageway 78 so that the control element 506 can be moved into the passageway 78 by external fluid pressure, the pin element inner end portion 512 providing a stop member to limit travel of the control element 506 down the passageway. However, the control element 506 is moved a sufficient distance into the passageway 78 by the external fluid force so that fluid may then flow through the channels 508 and then through the passageway 78.

Another manually activated valve embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 64-66. In this embodiment, an inlet valve 516 is manually activated similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 61 and 63. In this embodiment, a valve housing 518 is provided and includes an internal passageway or channel 520. The upper end portion of the channel 520 includes a plurality of threaded members 522. A control element 524 is provided to control the fluid flow through the valve 516. The control element 524 is preferably in the form of a generally cylindrical member 525 and includes an activating armature 528 designed to move the control element between a first closed position and a second open position. The control element cylindrical member 525 preferably includes a plurality of external threaded members 526 which are engageable with the threaded members 522 in the channel 520. The activating armature 528 is preferably in the form of an elongated pin extending outwardly from the cylindrical member 525 beyond the inlet opening of the channel 520 and the valve 516. The control element 524 includes a plurality of slotted openings 530. When it is desired to close the valve assembly 516, the armature 528 is rotated in a first direction, such as counterclockwise, until the control element 524 blocks the inlet of the channel 520 as illustrated in FIG. 64. When it is desired to open the valve 516 to fluid flow, the armature 528 is simply rotated in a second opposite direction, such as clockwise, until the control element 524 moves into the channel 520 and fluid flows therein through the slots 530.

Another manually activated valve assembly which is constructed in accordance with the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 65-66. In this embodiment, a valve 532 includes a housing 534 having an internal passageway 78 terminating in an annular lip 82 to define the valve inlet opening as in prior embodiments. A fluid control element 536 is provided in the passageway 78 and includes a beveled portion 538 adapted for engaging the annular lip 82 thereof similar to the prior embodiments. The control element 536 also includes an elongated end portion 540 extending outwardly from the valve housing 534 for engaging a scuba tank valve for either manual or fluid flow pressure activation. Moreover, the control element 536 includes a body portion 542 within the passageway 78 that includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 544 along one side thereof and a plurality of fluid flow channels 545 extending along the exterior surface thereof.

An activating armature 547 is provided and preferably is in the form of a rotatable shaft member 548 extending through the valve housing 534 and into the passageway 78. The outer end portion of the shaft member 548 external to the housing 534 includes a rotation knob 550. The knob 550 is provided to enable one to rotate the shaft member 548 as desired. The interior end portion of the shaft member 548 preferably includes a pinion gear 552 which is designed to engage the ratchet teeth 544 of the control element 536. In this manner, the rotation knob 550 may be turned in one direction to force the control element beveled portion 538 against the annular lip 82 to close the valve 532 to fluid flow. The valve 532 may be opened to fluid flow by rotating the knob 550 in the opposite direction until the end portion 540 has been moved into the passageway 78, thereby enabling fluid to flow through the control element channels 545 and along the passageway 78. The control element 536, however, cannot be inadvertently opened or closed without a substantial rotation of the knob 550.

Referring now to FIGS. 67-68, another manual activation valve embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, a valve 560 includes a housing 562 having an internal passageway 78 similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 65-66. It should be noted that the housing 562 may be an integral part of the first stage regulator housing as illustrated in FIG. 67, or it may be removably engageable therewith as illustrated in FIG. 68. In either event, a control element 564 includes an end portion 566 extending slightly exterior to the inlet opening of the passageway 78 and is a curved surface adapted to engage the annular lip 82 of the passageway 78 when in a closed position. A plurality of fluid channels 567 are disposed along the exterior surface of the control element 564, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 568 are disposed on the body portion 570 of the control element 564 along one side thereof.

An activating armature is provided and preferably is in the form of a rotatable shaft member 572 extending through the valve housing 562 and into the passageway 78. The outer end portion of the shaft member 572 external to the housing 562 includes a rotation knob 574. As in the prior embodiment, the knob 574 is provided to enable one to rotate the shaft member 572 as desired. The interior end portion of the shaft member 572 includes a pinion gear 576 which is designed to engage the ratchet teeth 568 of the control element 564. In this manner, the rotation knob 574 may be turned in one direction to force the control element surface 566 against the annular lip 82 to close the valve 560 to fluid flow. The valve 560 may be opened to fluid flow by rotating the knob 574 in the opposite direction until the end portion 566 has been moved into the passageway 78, thereby enabling fluid to flow through the control element channels 567 and into and through passageway 78.

A final embodiment of the present invention which is also manually activatable is illustrated in FIG. 69. In this particular embodiment, a valve assembly 580 includes a housing 582 having an internal passageway 78 with an annular lip 82 at the inlet opening thereof, as in the prior embodiments. A control element 584 includes a curved outer surface 586 adapted to engage the annular lip 82 when the valve 580 is in its closed position. The control element 584 al includes a main body portion 588 that extends into the passageway 78 and includes a plurality of fluid channels 590.

An activating armature assembly 592 includes a rotatable adjustment shaft 594 which extends into the housing 582 and has a rotation knob portion 596 disposed exterior to the housing 582. The shaft member 594 terminates at its opposite end in the form of an end piston 598. An internal enclosure 600 is disposed in the housing 582 adjacent to and opening into the passageway 78, and an internal slot 602 is provided in the control element body portion 588 immediately adjacent the enclosure 600. The end piston 598 is disposed in the enclosure 600.

A lever arm 604 is mounted to a pin mount 606 and includes a first lever end portion 608 extending into the enclosure 600 and a second opposite lever end portion 610 extending into the slot 604. In one preferred form, a resilient member 612 is positioned under the first end portion 608 of the lever arm 604 with the rotatable shaft end piston 598 positioned over and against the first end portion 608 opposite to the resilient member 612. The second end portion 610 of the lever arm 604 is positioned to move between upper and lower surfaces 614, 616, respectively, of the slot 610. In this manner, when the knob 596 is rotated in a first direction to press the end piston 598 against the first lever arm 608 and move the first lever arm 608 downwardly against the resilient member 612, this motion is translated to upward movement of the second lever arm 610 against the upper slot surface 614 to push the control element 584 upwardly within the passageway 78 to engage the surface 586 with the annular lip 82. When the control knob 596 is rotated in an opposite second direction, the resilient member 612 pushes the first lever arm 608 upwardly within the enclosure 600 which moves the second lever arm 610 downwardly against the slot lower surface 616, thereby pushing the control element 584 into the passageway 78 to disengage from the annular lip 82 to permit fluid to flow into the passageway 78 through the channels 590.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention solves a problem which has existed from the very beginning of the sport of scuba diving. The present invention provides for a relatively simple yet very effective arrangement for preventing the inadvertent entry of water and other contaminants into the first or second stage regulator members of a scuba diving unit. The present invention eliminates the need for a manual dust cap and, more importantly, for the requirement that the user of a scuba diving unit remember to place the dust cap in position prior to cleaning and/or storing the equipment. The present invention can be constructed in any number of different forms so as to be compatible with virtually every type of first stage regulator design presently manufactured and sold. The present invention can be in the form of an independent valve member which may be utilized to retrofit existing first stage regulators as well as used with newly manufactured regulator assemblies. In the alternative, the present invention can be constructed as an integral part of a regulator with its components readily accessible for repair and/or replacement.

The present invention may also be utilized with second stage regulators when in the form of alternate air sources. Additionally, the present invention may be utilized with any type of gas used in the scuba diving industry, including all types of breathable gas mixtures as well as other types of systems that are used in scuba diving but not necessarily for breathing. Specifically, cylinders of compressed argon are utilized to inflate dry suits and are separate and apart from the breathing mixture for a scuba diver. The present invention may be utilized with the gas regulator for such compressed argon systems. Moreover, extended range scuba divers require the use of multiple compressed breathing gas tanks for decompression purposes. As such, the scuba diver, when performing such extended range functions, must change regulator connections between tanks while underwater. Heretofore, this process flooded the regulators, creating initial breathing problems as well as causing the difficulty of cleaning and drying the internal components of the regulators after the extended range dive was concluded. The present invention obviates these problems and permits easy changing of compressed gas bottles while underwater. Moreover, the present invention may also be utilized in an inlet valve arrangement for rebreather scuba units.

Finally, it should be understood that while the present invention was initially developed for the scuba diving industry, it has much broader implications and applications. It can be utilized with any type of fluid flow environment and device and should not be simply limited to gaseous fluids. Any type of device or system wherein fluid under pressure is directed into a one-way inlet valve may benefit from the present invention by being adapted in accordance therewith. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the specific illustrations and embodiments described in detail above.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A fluid flow control valve comprising: a housing defining a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings; a pressure responsive element disposed within said passageway for selectively opening and closing said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening; a mechanism disposed within said passageway for exerting a bias force against said pressure responsive element sufficient to close said inlet opening to fluid flow absent a preestablished level of pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element in opposition to said bias force; and a retainer device for removably securing said pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within said passageway.
 2. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element is adapted to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force.
 3. The valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid.
 4. The valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein said fluid comprises gas and said attachment portion is adapted for selective coupling to a tank of compressed gas.
 5. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element includes a contact member extending outwardly from said housing fluid inlet, said contact member being sized and shaped to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to physical pressure exerted against said contact member in opposition to said bias force.
 6. The valve as claimed in claim 5, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid for exerting physical pressure on said contact member to overcome said bias force and open said inlet opening to fluid flow from said source of high-pressure fluid.
 7. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a fluid stop member having an upper end portion adapted for retractable engagement with said inlet opening.
 8. The valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fluid stop member includes at least one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said fluid stop member is disengaged from said inlet opening.
 9. The valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fluid stop member comprises a piston element having a lower end portion opposite said upper end portion, said lower end portion being adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exerting mechanism.
 10. The valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein said piston element further includes an outer peripheral surface disposed between said upper and lower end portions, and at least one fluid channeling element associated with said piston element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said piston element is disengaged from said inlet opening.
 11. The valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein said fluid channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along said piston element outer peripheral surface.
 12. The valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fluid stop member comprises an orb having a width dimension less than the width dimension of said passageway and greater than the width dimension of said inlet opening.
 13. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a resilient member.
 14. The valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.
 15. The valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a high pressure, 2-way valve.
 16. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a magnetic member associated with said pressure responsive element for exerting a magnetic force sufficient to urge said pressure responsive element to close said inlet opening, and a magnetic switch assembly adapted to selectively alter the magnetic force exerted by said magnetic member to open said inlet opening.
 17. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed in said passageway and having opposite polarities to create said bias force against said pressure responsive element.
 18. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fluid filter element is disposed in said passageway between said bias exerting mechanism and said retainer device proximate said outlet opening.
 19. A pressure-regulated inlet valve for controlling the flow of fluid, said valve comprising: a valve housing defining a central bore, a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening; a pressure regulated control element disposed within said housing bore proximate said inlet opening and mounted for movement between a closed position wherein said control element is engaged with said inlet opening to seal said bore, and an open position wherein said control element is disengaged from said inlet opening enabling fluid to pass through said bore; a biasing mechanism for urging said pressure regulated control element to its closed position, said mechanism having a bias force of pre selected strength requiring pressure from an exterior force on said pressure regulated control element at said inlet opening of a strength exceeding said pre-selected bias force strength to disengage said control element from said inlet opening and move it to its open position; and a retainer member for securing said biasing mechanism and pressure regulated element within said housing bore.
 20. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 19, wherein said pressure regulated control element is adapted to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force. 